WCMBI - Chapter 261: Anything For Love

Around that time, Monica found herself engrossed in the company of various English gentlemen, pressured by Alex. She could hardly believe that Ian had engraved himself upon her heart, and it was utterly inconceivable to accept that it was all the outcome of her own folly. Thus, she remained confined to her room, resembling a person unhinged, while constantly contemplating Ian's image.

In the midst of this, Alex suddenly barged in, seizing her, and led her to a place where they stood together. From that moment on, she found herself incessantly glancing at the company. At first, it was undoubtedly Alex's doing, but as time passed, Monica began to prepare herself willingly.

She harbored a strong desire to display to Ian that there were other gentlemen from noble families who sought her affections, even if he was not one of them. The dictates of nobility demanded she uphold her pride and dignity, and although she resolved not to be troubled by Ian any longer, she secretly hoped he would ruefully regret losing her through a hasty decision.

The English suitors she had met all sang praises of Monica. Her appearance and conditions were incredibly enticing to those seeking strategic marriages. Yet, they hesitated to approach her, for everyone was anticipating the future between Ian and herself.

Understanding this very well, Alex subtly guided her gaze not only to those of superior rank within the Rosewood Earl's circle but also to those from equally wealthy families or even slightly lower.

As a result, Monica's confidence began to grow, and it was during this time that Ian came to see her. He appeared somewhat leaner, but his refined appearance captivated her as always.

"What is the matter?" he asked, his eyes full of suspicion. Despite her doubts, Monica found herself unable to look away from his gentle smile. It seemed as though Ian's smile, seldom seen, constricted her throat with fascination.

Her pounding heart revealed that all her previous resistance to the allure of Ian's presence had been in vain.

Feeling a tinge of self-pity at her own weakness, Monica could not suppress the long-suppressed desires that now surged within her.

"Just curious about you," she managed to say in a slightly trembling voice, which only accentuated his charm further. Monica widened her eyes, attentively listening to Ian's words, a sense of disbelief lingering.

"It's been quite some time, and upon reflection, I think I might have been too harsh on you."

Though she found it hard to take his words at face value, Monica desperately wanted to believe them, and so she dispelled any lingering suspicions from her mind.

"No, it was you who suffered, Ian. I lacked consideration, and I am truly sorry."

"Your understanding means a lot to me. Seems like I'm just another childhood friend to you."

"Well, how many years have we spent together?"

"That's why I have prepared an apology, would you care to accompany me?"

"To where?"

"I was thinking of taking a brief respite. Working non-stop without a proper break has left me feeling quite fatigued."

"And what about DS?"

"Hmm, my father has kindly agreed to attend to it for now. It seems a bit challenging to move around in a carriage at the moment."

"I see…"

With her hand surreptitiously hidden from Ian's view, Monica pinched her thigh. The situation seemed almost too surreal to believe.

Yet, when she looked at Ian, smiling at her as if nothing were amiss, she felt that it didn't matter if it was real or not.

"Where are we going?"

Posing her question with curiosity and a hint of greed in her eyes, Ian peered deeply into her gaze, pondering. The world was undeniably unfair.

The perpetrator was living an untroubled life, while Melissa, the victim, bore the scars of her ordeal on her body.

Monica's radiant laughter bothered him, unlike Melissa's somber smile. However, this only made him smile even more, as he contemplated his plans to make everything fair and just.

* * *

The resplendent carriage of the duke made its way into the Rosewood Count's mansion. Monica couldn't hide her excitement and emerged in front of the mansion, with Alex standing beside her, looking disgruntled.

"So, because of the rumors about you meeting Ian again, the strategic betrothal proposal has been completely severed. Do you understand?" Alex inquired.

"What can I do? Could any man resist challenging the Duke of Briant?" Monica retorted.

"I simply can't fathom your actions. Don't you realize what sort of man Ian truly is?"

"Brother, please refrain from using such a derogatory term for Ian. It does not befit a viscount to stoop so low in addressing a duke, no matter the provocation."

"Despite my best efforts, I find your decision to follow him on this journey rather foolish. I would have been a better companion, I daresay."

"You'll never understand, brother. Love is an enigmatic force."

"Well, I don't believe you truly love Ian."

"What?"

As the two continued their argument, the carriage of the Duke arrived, and Ian, elegantly dressed, stepped out. Monica wasted no time in instructing the servants to load their luggage.

"Did you wait long?" Ian asked.

"No! I happened to be here a bit early."

Monica hastily replied, her radiant smile still lingering. Ian then shifted his gaze towards Alex, who was standing before the mansion.